1. Can I benefit from the Québec-France Agreement right now?

That depends on the trade, function or profession you wish to practise. There must be a mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) in place between the regulatory authorities in France and Québec detailing the criteria for recognition. Once an MRA has been signed, it takes a few months to adopt a regulation in order for it to come into force.

2. When and where can I submit my application for recognition of my qualifications?

You should send your application and pertinent documents to the regulatory authority for your trade, function or profession. You can apply as soon as the regulation implementing the mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) signed by the regulatory authorities for your trade, function or profession in France and Québec comes into effect. You should make sure beforehand that you meet the criteria.

3. Who can benefit from the provisions of the Québec-France Agreement? What are the criteria?

The Agreement covers professions, functions and regulated trades in Québec and France. Applicants must have completed their training at a recognized institution in Québec or France and hold a valid permit to practise issued in Québec or France. They must provide the regulatory authorities for their trade, function or profession with the required documents for analysis of their application. A list of required documents and information will be drawn up by the competent authorities based on the mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) for the profession, function or trade.

5. I am a Quebecer of foreign origin and have been practising in Québec for several years. Can I benefit from the Québec-France Agreement to work in France?

Anyone who completed his or her training at an institution in Québec and who has authorization or a permit to practise in Québec may, regardless of origin or nationality, apply to have his or her qualifications recognized in France under the Agreement.

6. I am of foreign origin and completed my training in France. Can I obtain a permit to practise in Québec?

Anyone who completed his or her training in France and who has authorization or a permit to practise in France may, regardless of origin or nationality, apply to have his or her qualifications recognized in Québec under the Agreement.

Applicants who do not meet the conditions outlined above may request recognition of their professional qualifications in other ways (i.e., via the means specified by the Professional Code).

7. Can doctors from France practise anywhere in Québec?

Nothing in the Agreement modifies the rules that apply in Québec or France to the workforce management plans for professions, functions and trades. For example, doctors from France whose qualifications are recognized under the Agreement must abide by the medical workforce management plans established in Québec.

8. Will French nationals benefiting from the Québec-France Agreement have priority over Québec students?

The Agreement is not intended for students. It applies solely to individuals who already have a permit to practise or a competency certificate. Applicants whose qualifications are recognized will be subject to the same conditions as those that apply to holders of permits to practise or competency certificates in Québec or France. Experts predict that Québec will face a labour shortage in the coming years and that the number of Québec applicants will not be sufficient to meet demand.

9. How will the Agreement speed up the recognition of qualifications?

By virtue of the Agreement, applicants cand find out the access criteria for professions, functions and regulated trades in advance. In some cases, recognition of professional qualifications may be automatic. In others, the applicant may be required to take compensatory measures. These will be limited to an internship along with an aptitude test, when necessary. Refresher training may be mandatory if public health and safety so require. In some cases, professional experience may make up for differences in training.

11. Will French nationals whose qualifications are recognized in Québec be able to practise their trade, function or profession anywhere in Canada?

12. Am I guaranteed being able to work in the sector for which I am qualified in France once I obtain my permit to practise?

The Agreement only covers the recognition of professional qualifications. Although it removes one of the obstacles limiting access to the job market, it does not guarantee automatic access to it. Consequently, the Agreement enables individuals whose qualifications have been recognized to be employed more quickly without having to go back to school, as was previously the case.

13. How long does it usually take to receive a reply after submitting a request to the authorities who regulate trades and professions in Québec or France?

Regulatory authorities must acknowledge receipt within one month of receiving the application and must inform the applicant of any missing documents in a timely manner. Applicants will receive a reply within three months after submitting their complete application. An additional month may also be allotted.

14. Are there predetermined quotas for each profession?

15. Does the Agreement apply only to Quebecers and French citizens?

Anyone who has completed his or her training at an institution in France or Québec and holds a permit to practice or a valid competency certificate issued in Québec or France can benefit from the Agreement, regardless of origin or nationality.